Relationships can be challenging on their own. This eMedTV slideshow explains that when one of the partners has ADHD, there's an added layer of complexity. But we present four skills that can help both parties maintain a strong, healthy relationship.

While it may feel like you are making excuses -- to both yourself and others -- by saying that you have ADHD, it's important to let friends and coworkers know you have this condition. By being aware of your diagnosis, people are apt to be more understanding about any social mistakes you make. You are still responsible for your behavior, but your true friends love and respect you, and will stick by you.

Learn to Listen

Listening is a skill, and it takes mindful practice to become a good listener. This can be especially challenging for someone with ADHD. Here's an easy exercise. Spend five minutes a day truly listening to your partner. Make eye contact, don't think about what you want to say next, and focus on what the other person is saying. Then, repeat back what was said. Keep this up, and you will be amazed at how fewer misunderstandings and conflicts there are in your relationship.

Take Responsibility

This tip applies to both you and your partner. We've stressed the importance of being honest about your ADHD, but this doesn't give you a free pass to behave badly. Seek appropriate treatment. And while your partner may get frustrated with your ADHD at times, this doesn't mean they get to hold on to resentment. Let go of the past, resolve to do better going forward, and keep those lines of communication open.

Get Help

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: treatment is vital for someone with ADHD if they expect to have healthy relationships. The diagnosis should not be a source of shame. Rather, seeking help -- whether from your doctor, pastor, minister, counselor, or a trained therapist -- means that you care enough about your relationships to do the right thing. What's more, having an outside, objective source of help can be beneficial for you and your partner as you both learn how to live with ADHD.

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